STEM Learning at Glebe Cooperative Nursery School

Photo: Children in Glebe Coop Nursery School learn STEM skills by exploring, building, counting, comparing and problem-solving. Photo: Julie LeBlanc

By Julie LeBlanc

Toddlers and preschoolers at Glebe Cooperative Nursery School (GCNS) have been enjoying the beautiful fall weather and are settled into their school routines.

The educators at GCNS are committed to creating a comfortable and engaging space for young learners, and parents visiting the classroom can’t help but notice that STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning is visible everywhere. Young children are naturally curious and keen to understand the world around them. The activities and environment at Glebe Cooperative Nursery School give great examples of how STEM skills start to develop early.
The classroom is set up every day in a very mindful way with open-ended activities for exploring, building, counting, comparing, creating, imagining, problem solving and investigating. Children have been busy with things like building blocks, puzzles, balances, baking sets, tools, sensory bins, rhythm sticks and water play. Toys, materials and activities are rotated to stay fresh and keep up with children’s interests. Many activities, such as exploring whether an object will sink or float, have little ones practising the scientific method!

Educators in the classroom warmly encourage the children by narrating what a child is doing, sharing observations, providing feedback and asking questions. Engaging with a child who is deep into discovery by asking questions like “What do you think would happen if. . .?” or “How could we change. . .?” helps to further a child’s thinking and skill building.

In addition to helping children learn through independent play and exploration, STEM concepts are often a focus of educator-led activities. Children have many opportunities to read together, sing together, play together and talk together. Numeracy concepts like counting, comparing and categorizing come up all the time in books, songs, games and conversations.

The little ones at Glebe Coop Nursery School are sure to have a fun-filled year of learning and growing!

Coming up later this month – Family Fun Night!

Join us for a Family Fun Night hosted by GCNS on Sunday, November 26th from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will take place at Where I Thrive, 1-117 Glebe Avenue, and is open to all in the community. This will be a fundraiser for GCNS featuring live music, a magic show, free play for kids, a cash bar and a family meal sponsored by McKeen Metro.

The cost is $20 for adults, $10 for children. For tickets, please contact events@glebepreschool.com.
Thank you for your support!

Julie LeBlanc is responsible for communications for the Glebe Cooperative Nursery School.

 

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